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departmental assessments


The K-12 World Language Department uses a variety of standards-based assessments throughout the course of the school year. In Grades K-12, we use Integrated Performance Assessments, and in Grades 8-12, we use proficiency assessments. Below you will find information related to each one. 

Grades K through 12: integrated performance assessments (IPA)

An Integrated Performance Assessment is a classroom-based performance assessment model developed by ACTFL that can be used for evaluating student's communication skills in the three modes of communication: Interpretive, what we learn from reading, viewing, or listening to language; Presentational, writing or speaking to an audience for a specific purpose; and Interpersonal, defined as two-way communication in the target language for the purpose of filling in an information gap. In the Darien Public Schools, our students complete them at the end of a unit of study, as a progress check, and other key points in the year.

These tasks are not unlike typical instruction in the classroom, but offer a more formal assessment of language proficiency and are centered around a specific theme and task. In an IPA, all tasks are connected. For example, in an IPA on family/routines, a student may view a video of a student discussing their daily routine (interpretive). Then, after viewing the video, they may compare/contrast their routine with a friend (interpersonal). Finally, they may make a response video sharing their own routine (presentational), similar to the video they saw in the interpretive task.

IPAs are used throughout all levels of World Language classrooms. At the elementary level, students will participate in an IPA in third grade and fifth grade. The purpose is to evaluate where students are in their proficiency journeys and identify individual goals for the students to work towards increasing language proficiency. At the middle and high school levels, IPAs are an integral part of all courses.

Grades 8 through 12: "STAMP" - standards-based measure of proficiency

  • 8TH GRADE STAMP: January/February - The assessment is administered in French 8, Mandarin 8 and Spanish 8 classes during the school day. 
  • DHS STAMP: March - Information about which students are assessed can be found below. Please reach out to your child's World Language teacher with questions.

The Avant STAMP 4S language assessment was created to improve language-learning outcomes and support excellence in language programs. Many leading language programs around the world are using Avant STAMP data for curriculum development, professional development to improve proficiency outcomes, measuring student growth, and to qualify students for state-sponsored Seal of Biliteracy and the Global Seal of Biliteracy. The Avant STAMP engages students with real-world content that is leveled according to the topics commonly taught at each level of instruction. STAMP’s adaptive test design adjusts to a student’s level so they can show what they can do with the language.

The Avant STAMP 4S determines language proficiency in four domains (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) for secondary and university students. It is web-based and computer-adaptive, with real-world questions on topics selected to be level-appropriate based on research into topics taught at each level. The questions engage learners, and because Avant STAMP 4S is adaptive, students are able to demonstrate their own actual proficiency level The STAMP was developed by the Center for Applied Second Language Studies at the University of Oregon and funded by the US Department of Education. 

Students in the following courses are assessed using the STAMP assessment:

  • Middlesex Middle School
    • all students enrolled in French 8
    • all students enrolled in Spanish 8
    • all studends enrolled in Mandarin 8
  • Darien High School
    • all students enrolled in level 4 and above in ASL, French, Mandarin and Spanish.
    • all students enrolled in Latin 2 and above

To learn more about:

  • the STAMP assessment and other FAQs, click here.
  • how to take a sample STAMP test, click here.

We also use the scores our students earn on the STAMP to qualify them for the Seal of Biliteracy in ASL, French, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. To learn more about our process, please visit the Seal of Biliteracy page